Levi Isaac of Berdichev

ca. 1740–1809

Levi Isaac (Yitsḥak) of Berdichev, born in Hoshakov, Galicia, to a rabbinic family, was introduced to Hasidism by a follower of Dov Ber, the Magid of Mezritsh. As a fervent Hasid, Levi Isaac clashed bitterly with Misnagdim and, living in a hostile environment in Zelechów and Pinsk, found sanctuary in Berdichev in 1785, where he remained until his death. While he neither established a Hasidic court nor had a large number of disciples, he stressed the role of a tsadik as an intermediary between the human and the divine. His teachings influenced later Hasidism; he became a well-loved figure about whom many tales abound.

Entries in the Posen Library by This Creator

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Kedushat Levi (Sanctity of Levi)

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We recite the blessing “Who performed miracles for our forefathers, etc.” on Hanukkah and Purim, but we do not do so on Passover, even though the Exodus…

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A Din Toyre mit Gott/Der kadish fun rabi Levi Yitshok (A Court Case with God/The Kaddish of Rabbi Levi Isaac)

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“Good morning, Master of the universe! I, Levi-Yitzchok of Berdytschev, have come to hold Judgment with You concerning Your people Israel. What have You against Israel? Why have you imposed…